The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Then Was Then And Now Is Now

The song of the day for Tuesday, March 21, 2023, is “Then Was Then And Now Is Now.”

About This Song

“Then Was Then And Now Is Now” was written by Cy Coleman, with lyrics by Peggy Lee, in 1964. Miss Peggy Lee released it on an album with the same name in 1965.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Then Was Then And Now Is Now” on February 18, 1965, for his album If I Ruled The World: Songs For The Jet Set. Don Costa wrote the arrangement.

“Then Was Then And Now Is Now,” as well as If I Ruled The World: Songs For The Jet Set is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Best Is Yet To Come

The song of the day for Saturday, March 11, 2023, is “The Best Is Yet To Come.”

About This Song

“The Best Is Yet To Come” was written in 1959 by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh. Some say that “The Best is Yet to Come” was written for Tony Bennett. In any case, the song is strongly identified with him and he sang it regularly at most of his concerts. Other recordings include those by Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Best Is Yet To Come” on September 15, 2016, live from Radio City Music Hall, for the televised tribute to him in celebration of his 90th birthday. On that evening, singers including Lady Gaga, Andrea Bocelli, Diana Krall, and k.d. lang also performed songs that Bennett also recorded. The evening was captured on the album Tony Bennett Celebrates 90: The Best Is Yet To Come.

“The Best Is Yet To Come,” as well as Tony Bennett Celebrates 90: The Best Is Yet To Come is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Firefly

The song of the day for Sunday, January 22, 2023, is “Firefly”

About This Song

“Firefly” was written by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh in 1958 as an audition piece for the musical Gypsy (which went on to be written by Jule Styne, with lyrics by a 28-year-old Stephen Sondheim).

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Kermit the Frog recorded “Firefly” in June 1998 for the album The Playground.

“Firefly” as well as The Playground is available on Apple Music. .

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Song of the Day: Baby, Dream Your Dream

The song of the day for Monday, September 26, 2022, is “Baby, Dream Your Dream.”

About This Song

“Baby, Dream Your Dream” was written by Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields for the 1966 hit musical Sweet Charity, directed by Bob Fosse and starring Gwen Verdon. “Baby, Dream Your Dream” was sung by Helen Gallagher and Thelma Oliver.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Baby, Dream Your Dream” on December 14, 1965, with an arrangement by Johnny Mandel. It was released as a single in 1966 and was included on the 1967 album For Once In My Life.

“Baby, Dream Your Dream,” as well as For Once In My Life is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Then Was Then And Now Is Now

The song of the day for Monday, September 19, 2022, is “Then Was Then And Now Is Now.”

About This Song

“Then Was Then And Now Is Now” was written by Cy Coleman and Peggy Lee. Lee released her recording of this song in 1965 on an album of the same name.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Then Was Then And Now Is Now” on February 18, 1965, for his album If I Ruled The World: Songs For The Jet Set. Don Costa wrote the arrangement.

“Then Was Then And Now Is Now,” as well as If I Ruled The World: Songs For The Jet Set is available on Apple Music.